The eARThumanities: Reimagining Net-Zero project at NYU Abu Dhabi is a new initiative that proposes a dynamic way of thinking about a just and inclusive development paradigm for a net-zero world.

Ecosystems play a critical role in mitigating the effects of the climate crisis. As the world works towards achieving the goal of net zero, nature-based solutions can be a powerful tool to combat climate change. These solutions leverage the potential of ecosystems to achieve sustainable development and climate goals, rather than relying solely on technology and infrastructure. By investing in nature-based solutions, we can not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also promote biodiversity, support local communities, and enhance the resilience of ecosystems in the face of climate change. Despite the opportunities, most of the countries still lag behind in implementing nature-based solutions and the importance of natural ecosystems is not fully recognised across the public and private sectors.

Speakers:
Aashish Jha, Assistant Professor of Biology; Global Network Assistant Professor of Biology, NYU Abu Dhabi
Aashish Jha is an Assistant Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi where he uses genomics to decipher human population histories and microbiomes. His recent work has focused on traditional Himalayan populations and his current research projects include genomics and microbiomics of Nepal, India, Africa, and Oceania.
During his postdoctoral scholarship at Stanford University, he started The Himalayan Diversity Project to study the genetics and microbiome of Himalayan populations. His work in the Himalaya is supported by grants from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Stanford University Center for Computational, Evolutionary, and Human Genomics (CEHG). 

Amna Al Mansoori, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
Amna Al Mansoori is a Marine scientist at the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) where she is monitoring and conserving critical marine habitats along Abu Dhabi’s coastline. Her main role involves assessing the cover extent changes and health conditions of these habitats, particularly mangroves, and providing the necessary scientific evidence for their conservation and restoration. In addition to these efforts, Amna works to raise awareness on the importance of mangroves for the youth as well as non-environmental sectors. Amna is also a PhD student at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, where her research focuses on the habitat function and structural characteristics of mangroves for supporting biodiversity in the southern Arabian Gulf.

Ecosystems and Nature-Based Solutions with Aashish Jha and Amna Al Mansoori

eARThumanities